Ethernet is commonly used as an alternative transport technology for access networks, because of it widespread use in local and metro networks. IP packets can be easily carried by Ethernet link, so it simplifies the compatibility of metro and wide area network assets, in comparison to BPON technology.
EFM (Ethernet-in-the-First-Mile) is the general term for the use of Ethernet in access networks. Three different EFM physical transport schemes are possible:

 

• EPON
  10-km distance; 1 Gbps; 1 x 16 splitter; one bidirectional single mode fiber;
  20-km distance; 1 Gbps; 1 x 16 or 1 x 32 splitter; one bidirectional single mode fiber;
• P2P over fiber
  1000BASE-LX: extended-temperature-range optics;
  1000BASE-X: 10 km over one bidirectional single-mode fiber;
  100BASE-X: 10 km over one bidirectional single-mode fiber;
• P2P over copper
  750-m distance; 10 Mbps full-duplex transmission over single-pair non-loaded voice-grade copper wires.

First option uses EPON (GEPON) architecture, which as a PON layout has only one feeder line going to the optical splitter. Maximum transmission distance for this EFM standard is 10 or 20 km between the OLT and an ONT (ONU).
The other two options are using point-to-point links over copper wires or optical fibers for connecting users directly to the central office. As an alternative for P2P network is to run separate fibers directly to the Central Office. That scenario requires 16 or 32 separate fiber lines, each of the lines should have own optical transceivers. Therefore this scenario is useful only if all subscribers require close to full capacity offered by a Ethernet gigabit line.

 

You explore more also for exact products (click on any links below)

 

– EPON/GEPON range;
– P2P over fiber;
– P2P over copper, sometimes also reffered as Ethernet Extender;